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Controlling a lost or stolen Android device remotely using Anti-Theft in Avast Mobile Security

The Anti-Theft feature in Avast Mobile Security allows you to connect to your device if it is lost or stolen and execute several commands remotely from your Avast Account. You cannot control a missing device unless the following requirements are met:

The device is turned on and connected to the internet.

The Anti-Theft feature is enabled on the device.

The device is paired with an Avast Account.

It is not possible to pair your device with an Avast Account or enable Anti-Theft without access to the device.

Access the Anti-Theft feature in the Avast Account interface

To control a missing device remotely, follow the steps below on another device to access the Anti-Theft section of your Avast Account.

Command List

Refer to the relevant sections below for instructions to send Anti-Theft commands listed in the command list:

Record audio, Take picture, and Get data are only available with a paid version of Avast Mobile Security.

The Wipe command erases all data on your device and initiates a factory reset.

There is no possibility to undo this action once the command is sent.

To send the Wipe command:

Select Wipe from the command list.

Click Send to clear all data from your device. Once the command is sent, your device will reboot.

The Record audio command utilizes the microphone on your device to perform an audio recording, which is sent to your Avast Account.

To send the Record audio command:

Select Record audio from the command list.

Use the drop-down menu to specify the Recording Duration. If you tick Use noise recognition, Anti-Theft listens to the device's surroundings for the time period specified in Maximum Noise Recognition Duration and automatically begins recording only when noise is detected.

Access data received to your Avast Account

When you send the Locate, Mark as lost, Record audio, Take picture, and Get data commands, your device sends data to the Notifications section of your Avast Account.

To access data received to your Avast Account:

Select the relevant device in the left panel, and click Info.

Select the Notifications tab.

Under the Message section, select the icon next to the relevant notification to view or download data.

An audio file was received: This file contains data initiated by the Mark as Lost and Record audio commands. To download the audio file, click the ↓ download icon. The file starts downloading automatically and saves to your Downloads folder by default.

A position update was received: This file contains data initiated by the Mark as lost and Locate commands. To view location data, click the GPS pin icon. A map appears showing your device's location. Click the table icon to open the GPS coordinates and review your device's location, latitude, longitude, and information about accuracy. You can provide this information to the police if necessary.

A picture was received: This file contains a photo initiated by the Mark as lost and Take picture commands. To download the photo, click the ↓ download icon. The file starts downloading automatically and saves to your Downloads folder by default.

A list of your contacts, sms messages and calls was exported: This file contains data initiated by the Mark as lost and Get data commands. When you click the ↓ download icon, an HTML file containing your contacts opens in a new tab.

The notifications you receive may vary according to your version of Avast Mobile Security and your Anti-Theft settings.

Customize Lost command behavior

You can configure which features activate when your device is marked as Lost using either method below:

Avast Mobile Security: go to ☰Menu (three lines) ▸ Anti-Theft and scroll down to the When device is marked as LOST section.

The Anti-Theft section of your Avast Account: select your device in the left panel, then go to Settings ▸ Anti-Theft ▸ Protection Behavior.